Founded in 1964, the work of Walney Bird Observatory is funded entirely by membership subscription. Since 1965 it has been an accredited member of the British Trust for Ornithology’s bird observatories network which operates across Britain and Ireland. Bird Observatories are at the forefront of conservation, monitoring bird populations through the medium of census work, daily recording of migrants and ringing.

Mediterranean Gull

26th October 2016 – overcast SW3Offshore Early morning observations (0800-0900) were led by an adult Mediterranean Gull amongst 216 Common Scoter, 12 Razorbill, 2 Gannet, 2 Red-throated Diver and a Kittiwake.Grounded Migrants Just 3 Goldcrest were logged.Diurnal Migration Single Grey Wagtail and 2 Tree Sparrow were the only birds of note recorded.Wildfowl and Waders Sightings included 10 Shoveler and 8 Greenshank. Miscellaneous A Tawny Owl was probably the escapee logged previously.

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Walney Island

Walney Island is one of the finest if not the finest bird watching venues in Cumbria and Northwest England. The island hosts a renowned Eider and gull colony during the breeding season and the winter months provide a wildfowl and wader spectacular. Migrants aplenty appear during both passage periods when the island has a proven pedigree for attracting rare and unusual species.

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Walney Bird Observatory

Although ringing activities are, in the main, based at South Walney Nature Reserve the observatory collates bird records from across the whole island and produces an annual report. Consequently Walney Bird Observatory is the lead authority regarding the birds of Walney Island.

North Scale

Around 300 species of bird have been recorded on Walney Island since the foundation of the bird observatory in 1964 and a recent survey has found that around 70 species are currently breeding within the area. To date, the observatory has trapped and ringed almost 140 species on the island.

Annual Totals

Total number of species recorded on Walney Island in 2010 = 185

Total number of species recorded on Walney Island in 2011 = 181

Total number of species recorded on Walney Island in 2012 = 185

Total number of species recorded on Walney Island in 2013 = 182

Total number of species recorded on Walney Island in 2014 = 180

Total number of species recorded on Walney Island in 2015 = 172

Total number of species recorded on Walney Island in 2016 = 178

Total number of species recorded on Walney Island in 2017 = 177

Total number of species recorded on Walney Island in 2018 = 103

Annual Subscription Rates

Single: £15.00

Family: £20.00

A third grade of membership is also available to people who do not visit the island frequently but wish to support the observatory and its aims and receive a copy of the annual report.

Friend: £7.00.

Recent Publications

The 2017 report has just been published and contains a Bird and Ringing Report along with details of the Dragonflies, Butterflies, Moths and Mammals recorded on the island during the year. Available from the Membership Secretary for just £6.00 including postage and packing.

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Ringing Latest

A Black-tailed Godwit colour-ringed at Alhos Vedros on the Tagus Estuary, Setabul, PORTUGAL on 25th February 2012 and then subsequently seen in the same area in the preceding winters and in the spring at Friesland, THE NETHERLANDS was seen on Walney Island on 21st April 2017.